Zib'eon is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies and narratives concerning the descendants of Esau and the Horites. His name, which may mean "hyena" or "robber," appears in the context of the early tribal and familial structures that played a significant role in the history of the Edomites and the Horites.

Genealogy and Family Connections

Zib'eon is identified as a Horite, a group of people who inhabited the region of Seir before the Edomites. He is listed as a son of Seir the Horite, making him a member of the indigenous population of the land that would later be associated with Esau's descendants. In Genesis 36:20-21 , we read: "These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom."

Zib'eon is also noted as the father of Anah, who is known for discovering the hot springs in the wilderness while pasturing the donkeys of his father Zib'eon (Genesis 36:24). This discovery is a notable event, as it highlights the resourcefulness and the semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Horites.

Role and Significance

Zib'eon holds a significant place in the genealogical records of the Bible, as his lineage is intertwined with the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. The Edomites and the Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had a complex and often contentious relationship throughout biblical history. Understanding the genealogy of Zib'eon and his descendants provides insight into the broader narrative of the interactions between these two groups.

In 1 Chronicles 1:38-40 , Zib'eon is again mentioned in the genealogical records, affirming his place within the Horite lineage: "The sons of Seir: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister. The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah."

Cultural and Historical Context

The Horites, including Zib'eon, were part of the ancient Near Eastern tribal landscape. They are often associated with the mountainous region of Seir, which later became known as Edom. The integration of the Horites into the Edomite lineage reflects the complex social and familial dynamics of the time, where intermarriage and alliances were common.

Zib'eon's mention in the biblical text underscores the importance of genealogies in the Hebrew Scriptures. These records served not only to trace lineage but also to establish the historical and theological context for the unfolding narrative of God's chosen people. Through figures like Zib'eon, the Bible provides a glimpse into the diverse and interconnected world of the ancient Near East.Zib'eon (7 Occurrences)

Genesis 36:2
Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite,
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:14
And these were the sons of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife; and she bore to Esau Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah.
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:20
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan and Shobal and Zibeon and Anah,
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:24
And these are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah--this is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:29
These are the chiefs that came of the Horites: the chief of Lotan, the chief of Shobal, the chief of Zibeon, the chief of Anah,
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:38
And the sons of Seir: Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:40
The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.
(See RSV)

Zib'eon (7 Occurrences)
Zib'eon. Zibeon, Zib'eon. Zibia . Multi-Version Concordance Zib'eon (7
Occurrences). Genesis 36:2 Esau took his wives of the daughters ...
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Zibeon (7 Occurrences)

/z/zibeon.htm - 9k

Zibia (1 Occurrence)

/z/zibia.htm - 7k

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